Charlotte Ardsley

Charlotte is sympathetic and sensitive to her family's and friends' troubles. She understands that Esther married Howard because they were in love. Open and willing to accept change, she admits that she thought class divisions would ease after the war.

Charlotte's love for her husband has prompted her to shield him from harsh realities like her illness. She tries her best to protect her family but is tired and so feels a giddy sense of freedom when she knows she will soon die.

Eva Ardsley

Eva has accepted her role as Sydney's caretaker and also helps run the house since her mother is in ill health. Sydney suggests that she likes being a martyr, claiming, "it's jam for Evie to have an invalid to look after." He insists that "Nature destined her to be a saint and it's damned lucky for her that I'm around to give...